The 58-year-old star - who was married to the late magician Paul Daniels - and her professional partner Giovanni Pernice has wowed viewers week on week with her impressive dancing and now the BBC One latin and ballroom show's former head judge Len is backing Debbie to take home the Glitterball trophy.

He said: "It's wonderful that there is someone older on the show who is really good. It would be great to see her win. It's been a while since an older person has been really good on the show and it's always nice to see. Pamela Stephenson got into the final, but that was a while ago.

"You know the people in their twenties who have been in a pop group or been to stage school are going to do really well. One of the joys of 'Strictly' is having a surprise contender. Last year was a good example with Ore Oduba - he was just a sports commentator and who'd have thought he was going to be such a good dancer. That's what's lovely."

And Len - who left his role on the judging panel last year, which he had held for 12 years - would love to go and see the show once he gets back to the UK.

He told The Sun newspaper: "I'm hoping I can go to watch it live when I get back to the UK, hopefully the final or semi-final. I'd love to do that."

Meanwhile, Debbie's sister Donna previously revealed her "sparkle" has returned since competing on 'Strictly'.

Donna said: "I have seen a change in her, I have seen her happy again, and she has a sparkle in her face. She is putting in as many hours training as she can, normally nine hours upwards, and she is exhausted."